Pakistan fighter jet crashes near Islamabad park

Islamabad

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jet has crashed near a park in the capital Islamabad, killing the pilot.

The PAF said in a statement that the aircraft was carrying out rehearsals for the 23 March national day parade.

Police and security forces swiftly cordoned off the site in the Shakarparian area which is near several museums, golf clubs and Jinnah Stadium.

The PAF said the pilot Wing Commander Noman Akram also died in the crash. What caused it was not immediately clear.

The air force said it had ordered an inquiry.

Footage posted on social media was seemingly shot from nearby buildings, showing the moment the plane came down and smoke and flames billowing into the sky.